Air cleaner arrangements; serviceable filter elements; and, methods

ABSTRACT

An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.13/776,400, filed on Feb. 25, 2013, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 13/434,149, filed Mar. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,382,875, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 12/020,100,filed Jan. 25, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,582, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 10/776,662, filed Feb. 10, 2004,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,323,029, which application claims benefit ofprovisional application Ser. No. 60/446,804, filed Feb. 11, 2003, andSer. No. 60/457,255, filed Mar. 25, 2003. U.S. application Ser. Nos.13/776,400, 13/434,149, 12/020,100, 10/776,662, 60/446,804, and60/457,255 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to air cleaners and to components for aircleaners. This disclosure particularly concerns air cleaners of a typeuseable for cleaning intake air for engines. Methods of assembly and useare also provided.

BACKGROUND

Air cleaners are needed for a variety of applications, for example toprovide cleaning of engine intake air for internal combustion engines. Awide variety of types of air cleaner arrangements and filter materialsare known.

One known filter material, is filter media configured in az-arrangement. Z-filter media generally comprises a corrugated orpleated media sheet secured to a non-corrugated (facing) sheet. Themedia is arranged to form a set of longitudinal flutes or air flowchannels on one side of the corrugated or fluted media, and another setof flow channels on an opposite side of the fluted media. In operation,flutes of one set of flutes are designated as inlet flutes, are leftopen at an inlet end or side of the media, and are sealed or otherwisefolded closed at an outlet end or side of the media. Analogously, theflutes of a second set of flutes are generally designated as outletflutes, are sealed or otherwise closed at the outlet end or side of thefilter, and are left open at the outlet end or side of the filter. Inoperation, air passes into one flow face of the air filter construction,by passage into the open inlet flutes at an upstream end of the element.The air cannot flow out of the closed ends of these inlet flutes, so itmust pass through the filter media into the outlet flutes. The filteredair then passes outwardly from an exit end of the filter element,through the open ends of the outlet flutes.

A variety of z-filter constructions are known; including, for example,the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,820,646; 5,792,247; 6,190,432;and, 6,350,291; PCT Publication WO 97/40918; U.S. provisionalapplication 60/395,009 filed 10 Jul. 2002; and the PCT Application US03/02799 filed Jan. 31, 2003 and claiming priority from U.S. Provisional60/395,009; the complete disclosures of all seven references above beingincorporated herein by reference. These types of media (among others)can be used in arrangements of the types described herein.

Z-filter media has been characterized as useable in coiledconfigurations, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,291; or in stacks ofsheets of Z-filter media, see for example FIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No.5,820,646.

The current disclosure concerns certain preferred arrangements forutilization of Z-filter media constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the present disclosure, unique features of air filter cartridgearrangements are described and shown. In addition, unique housingarrangement features, for receiving and mounting the filter cartridgearrangements are provided.

With the various features shown and described, or selected combinationsof them, unique and convenient filter cartridges and air cleanerassemblies can be made.

The disclosure also concerns methods of installing air filtercartridges, and methods of removing them. In addition, from thedescriptions provided, methods of assembling preferred filter cartridgesand preferred air cleaner assemblies will be apparent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an engine system including an aircleaner according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an outlet end perspective view of an air cleaner arrangementaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an inlet end perspective view of the air cleaner arrangementshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an outlet end perspective view analogous to FIG. 2, butshowing the air cleaner with a top access cover removed.

FIG. 5 is an inlet end perspective view analogous to FIG. 3, but showingthe air cleaner with the top access cover removed.

FIG. 6 is an outlet end exploded perspective view of an air cleanerarrangement according to FIG. 2 depicted with a top access cover liftedoff and a serviceable filter cartridge lifted out of the housing; thehousing being shown with an operator handle in an upper or non-lockedorientation.

FIG. 7 is an inlet end perspective view analogous to FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic elevational view of an internal wall of thearrangement shown in FIG. 2, with portions indicating biasing and lockassembly positioned therein, in a lowered and locked position.

FIG. 9 is a view analogous to FIG. 8, but showing the biasing and lockassembly in a raised, unlocked, position.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side elevational view of the arrangement shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken alongline 11-11, FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an outlet end, exploded, perspective view analogous to FIG. 6but taken of a first alternate embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view takengenerally along line 14-14, FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view analogous to FIG. 6, of asecond alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view takengenerally along line 17-17, FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an outlet end, perspective view analogous to FIG. 2, of athird alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view analogous to FIG. 6, of afourth alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of z-filter media utilizable in arrangementsaccording to any one of FIGS. 2-19.

FIG. 21 is a stacked z-filter media arrangement utilizing the media FIG.20.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a coiled z-filter mediaarrangement utilizing the media of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a sealmember of the arrangement of FIGS. 2-7.

FIG. 24 is an exploded, perspective view of mechanical interlockfeatures between a housing and filter cartridge, useable in any of theembodiments of FIGS. 2-19.

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the arrangement shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view directed toward the outlet end of aserviceable filter cartridge according to a fifth alternate embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a schematic end view of a housing assembly usable with theserviceable filter cartridge of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 27A-27A, FIG. 27; inFIG. 27A, a seal structure for use with the element of FIG. 28 isdepicted installed.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view directed toward an outlet end of aserviceable filter cartridge having an inside radial seal according to asixth alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a rigid seal structure mountable on ahousing and usable with a seal member of the element of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. FIGS. 1-25

The present disclosure concerns certain air cleaners having a straightthrough flow design. By straight through flow design, it is meant thatair enters a serviceable filter cartridge within the air cleaner, alongone (inlet) face, and filtered air exits the filter cartridge from anopposite, second (outlet) face. That is, the inlet and outlet flow pathsfor the serviceable filter cartridge are generally in the samedirection.

Air cleaners of the type concern that the present disclosure, includeserviceable filter elements or cartridges. The term “serviceable filterelement or cartridge”, and variants thereof, in this context, is meantto refer to a filter element or cartridge that can be removed from theremainder of the air cleaner and be replaced therein. Typically thefilter cartridge of an air cleaner for intake air of combustion enginesneeds to be serviceable, since periodically the filter cartridge willbecome occluded, and must be removed and be replaced.

Air cleaners and serviceable filter cartridges of the general typecharacterized herein, can be used in a variety of arrangements. Typicalapplications include as air cleaners for internal combustion engines.The air cleaner assemblies and cartridges can be sized and configuredfor a wide variety of engine applications. Herein, a particularapplication, involving a large diesel engine having a turbochargerupstream of the air cleaner assembly is described, as an example.However, the principles disclosed herein can be applied in a widevariety of alternate applications.

The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, generally indicates an engine system.The engine system 1 includes an internal combustion engine 2, such as adiesel engine, with an air intake system 3, including, among otherthings, a turbocharger and aftercooler arrangement 4 and an air cleaneror air cleaner assembly 5. For the particular arrangement shown, theturbocharger and aftercooler arrangement 4 is positioned upstream of theair cleaner 5. Thus, after passage through the turbocharger andaftercooler 4, air is forced through the air cleaner 5 and into the airintake for the diesel engine 2. Large diesel engines rated at up to750-horse power used with military vehicles, would be some typicalexamples of such an arrangement.

In FIG. 2, an air cleaner assembly 5 according to the present disclosureis provided in perspective view. The orientation of the assembly in FIG.2, is such that the viewer can see an exit or outlet end of the aircleaner, and an adjacent side. In FIG. 3, a perspective view analogousto FIG. 2 is shown, but from a perspective rotated 180° around avertical axis for the air cleaner. In FIG. 4, the air cleaner isdepicted from a view analogous to FIG. 2 but with top access cover oraccess panel removed. FIG. 5 is a view analogous to FIG. 3, but with atop access cover removed. FIG. 6 is a view analogous to FIG. 2, exceptshowing the air cleaner with the access cover removed, an operatorhandle raised, and a filter cartridge listed out, all in exploded view.FIG. 7 is a view analogous to FIG. 6, but from a perspective rotated180° around a vertical axis; i.e., a perspective analogous to FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an inside wall of the air cleaner, showinga biasing and lock mechanism in a closed orientation. FIG. 9 is a viewanalogous to FIG. 8, except showing a top panel removed and a controlmember of the biasing and lock mechanism in a raised orientation with aslider member in a non-locking arrangement. FIG. 10 is a schematic sideelevational view of the air cleaner of FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is a fragmentaryschematic cross-sectional view taken generally along line A-A, FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, an outer housing 10 for the air cleaner 5 isdepicted. The housing 10 is shown with removable service panel or accesspanel 11 mounted thereon. The housing 10 operates as a duct 13 throughwhich, in use, air to be filtered or cleaned flows. Specifically, air tobe filtered enters duct 13 through inlet end or opening 15 and, afterpassage through an internally received, serviceable, filter cartridge30, the air exits the duct 13 through opposite outlet end or opening 16.In general, air cleaner operation involves passing the air, as it movesfrom inlet end or opening 15 to outlet opening 16, through z-filtermedia 31 contained in the removable and replaceable, i.e. serviceable,filter cartridge 30. The inlet end 15 is more clearly viewable in FIG.3.

The principles disclosed herein can be applied in a variety of shapesand sizes of housings. The particular housing 10 shown, is meant to bean example only. However, the generally rectangular (in cross-section)configuration depicted is preferred, and the principles disclosed areparticularly well adapted for application in a housing of such apreferred configuration. Of course, the preferred configuration shownis, in general, a non-circular configuration.

The particular housing 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3) depicted is generallyrectangular in cross-section with side walls defining opposite sides 19,20, opposite top and bottom panels 22, 23, and opposite inlet and outletends 25, 26 respectively. Top 22 generally corresponds to a side wallwhich is openable by removal of the access or service cover 11. Thewalls 19, 20, 22, 23, 25 and 26 define an interior 27 of the housing 10,into which serviceable filter cartridge 30 is positioned, in use.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the air cleaner 5 is depicted withthe access cover 11 (FIGS. 2 and 3) removed, the filter cartridge 30includes an air inlet end 32 and an air outlet end 33. The filtercartridge 30 has a straight through flow design, meaning that it hasopposite inlet and outlet faces 32, 33, respectively with (in use) airflowing therebetween. That is, the direction of inlet flow (arrow 34 a)and the direction of outlet flow (arrow 34 b) are generally the same.

The filter cartridge includes filter media 31. The filter media 31depicted, is of the z-filter type, comprising corrugated or fluted mediasecured to a non-corrugated (i.e. non-fluted) facing sheet, althoughalternatives are possible. Such media can be provided in a variety ofconfigurations including: as coiled continuous sheet configurations asshown in FIG. 22; or, as stacked constructions as of individual sheetsshown in FIG. 21 and described with respect to FIG. 26 of U.S. Pat. No.5,820,646 incorporated herein by reference. Either one of these twotypes of z-filter media arrangements can be used to provide theconfiguration generally depicted in FIGS. 2-9. Indeed, the drawings ofFIGS. 2-9 are schematic and are not meant to necessarily depict anyspecific arrangement. It is anticipated that in typical use such asFIGS. 2-9, a coiled configuration of z-filter media, similar to FIG. 22,would be preferable. That is, a preferred approach would use acontinuous strip of fluted or corrugated media secured to a non-fluted(preferably non-corrugated) facing media, coiled into the rectangularconfiguration shown. Useable media is depicted in the schematic of FIG.20, discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the filter cartridge 30 comprises animpermeable sheath construction 40 positioned surrounding the media 31.The term “impermeable” in this context, is meant to refer to a sheathconstruction 40 that comprises a solid, non-permeable, plastic or metalcomponent. That is, while the air can pass from inlet end 32 to exit end33, and thus through the length of the sheath construction 40 betweenits open ends, the air cannot pass directly through a side wall 40 a ofsheath construction 40.

The impermeable sheath construction 40 can be provided in a variety ofmanners and by a variety of constructions. For example, it can comprisea single piece molded plastic or cast metal construction, a multi-piececlamshell construction of plastic or metal components, or a sheet orsheath of material such as aluminum wrapped around the media 31.

Referring to FIG. 6, at air exit end 33, the serviceable filtercartridge 30 includes a first, primary, seal arrangement 45. The firstor primary seal arrangement 45 includes a seal member 46 positioned toprovide a seal (i.e., a housing seal) upon appropriate engagement with aportion of the housing 10. Typically, the seal member 46 comprises arubber like material, such as foamed polyurethane. In typical preferredapplications, the seal member 46 is configured to engage a sealingportion 47 of the housing 10 at or adjacent outlet end wall 26.

A variety of specific configurations and orientations for the sealmember 46 can be used. Typically, the seal member 46 will be mountedupon a seal member support framework 50. The seal member supportframework 50 can be integral with a remainder of the sheath construction40, or it can be a separately formed construction attached to the sheathconstruction 40. An example of the former would be mounting the sealmember 46 on a portion of the impermeable sheath construction itself,for example a flange integral with a remainder of the sheathconstruction 40. An example of the latter would be mounting the sealmember 46 on a frame piece 51 which is itself adhered to, welded to orotherwise secured to, a remainder of the impermeable sheath construction40.

For the particular embodiment shown, the support framework 50 comprisesof frame piece 51 including a rim secured to a remainder of theimpermeable sheath construction 40, for example with an adhesive or bywelding.

The framework 51 can include, imbedded within the seal member 46, asupport, not shown in FIG. 6, to provide appropriate sealing support andorientation for the seal member 46. The support may be, for example, asshown in fragmented, schematic, cross-sectional view in FIG. 23discussed below.

The seal member 46 can be permanently attached to the framework 50, orit can be removably secured thereto. An example of permanent attachment,would be a molding of the seal member 46, for example from a foamedpolyurethane material, directly onto the support framework 50. Anexample of this is shown in the schematic, cross-section, in FIG. 23.Examples of this are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,291, incorporatedherein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 6 cartridge 30 includes, extending across the media 31at exit in 33, outlet end support lattice 55. The outlet end supportlattice 55 generally comprises a set of segments, secured to the supportframework 50. For the particular arrangement shown, the segments includethe set of spokes extending radially outwardly from center, with ribsextending therebetween. For the particular arrangement shown, ten spokesand a single circular rib arrangement (10 segments) are depicted,although alternate numbers and shapes could be used. Outlet end supportlattices, used with z-filter media, are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,350,201, incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIG. 4, sealing of the filter cartridge 30 against thehousing 10 occurs by driving the cartridge 30, in the direction of arrow61, into sealing engagement with the housing 10, at outlet end 26. Ascan be understood from the figures and descriptions herein, this drivingor biasing is preferably conducted without rotation of the filtercartridge around a central longitudinal axis projecting therethrough. Apreferred biasing and lock mechanism 65, discussed below, is provided toeffect this motion, although alternatives are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, attention is now directed to projectionarrangement 67 positioned near, but spaced from, air exit end 33 andseal member 46. The projection arrangement 67 generally comprises firstand second projections 68 (FIG. 6) and 69 (FIG. 7) respectivelypositioned on opposite sides, 70 and 71 respectively, of sheathconstruction 40, preferably as mirror images of one another. Theprojections 68, 69 generally project in directions opposite from oneother. These projections 68, 69 are positioned to be engaged by aportion of the biasing and lock mechanism 65 as described below.

It is noted that the projections 68 and 69 can be provided and securedin a variety of matters, including by adhesive attachment, welding or bymechanical connection or other means as appropriate for the particularmaterials selected. Also, they can be molded or cast integrally with,and as a portion of, the sheath 40. When separately made, theprojections 68, 69 can be constructed from a moldable material such as ahard plastic, or they can be manufactured from metal.

The particular configurations of the projections 68, 69 shown in FIGS. 6and 7 are examples and are not required. The particular shape shown,each having an L-shaped cross-section, is convenient for manufacture bybending metal or extruding plastic. The shape is convenient forattaching to the particular shape of surface shown for the impermeablesheath construction 40. However a variety of alternate shapes areusable, for example with alternately shaped elements.

Referring to FIG. 7, cartridge 30 includes, adjacent inlet end 32,gasket member 80. Gasket member 80 is typically positioned immediatelyat end 32, or within 4 cm thereof, in typical preferred arrangements.The gasket member 80 will ensure that undesirable levels of dust do notreach region 81, FIGS. 5 and 7. Typically the gasket member 80 is simplysized and configured to fill a space between the cartridge 30 and thehousing 10, at end 32. In the instance shown, since the housing interior27 is rectangular, and outer periphery of the gasket 80 is rectangular.

In a typical arrangement, the housing could include a central support,not shown, along an inside surface 23 a of bottom 23, FIG. 7 to helpsupport the cartridge 30 in a proper orientation, during installation.As an alternative, the cartridge 30 can be supported in slides 94, 95 asshown or described below in connection with FIGS. 24 and 25.

In FIG. 4, underneath top 22 or access panel 11 (FIG. 2), the housing 10includes a seal groove 82 therein, to provide for sealing, with ano-ring, between the top 22 and a remainder of the housing 10. Typically,the top 22 or access panel 11 will be mounted by bolts or similarconstructions, and receivers for those bolts are shown at 84.

In a typical arrangement, the access panel 11 could include projectionsor other structures thereon for example as shown at 85, FIG. 6,positioned to engage in the cartridge 30, to help secure it in position.

In FIG. 4, housing outlet end 26, is shown with groove 86 therein forreceiving a seal member, such as an o-ring seal, to seal with otherconstructions or duct work in the system. In FIG. 5, the housing end 25is shown with groove 87 therein for receiving a seal member, such as ano-ring seal, for sealing with upstream constructions or duct work.

In FIG. 3, the housing 10 is depicted with the serviceable filtercartridge 30 in place, and with service cover 11, in place. In FIG. 3,the air cleaner 5 is viewed toward inlet end 25. FIG. 5 is generallyanalogous to FIG. 3, but with the top removed. The cartridge 30 can beviewed in place. A particular cartridge 30 depicted in FIGS. 2-9,includes a handle construction 88 thereon, FIG. 5. The handleconstruction 88 shown comprises a pair of cables or wires 89, positionedin a cross or x pattern secured by brackets 89 a. Alternative handlesare possible.

In FIG. 10, a schematic side view of side 20 is depicted. In FIG. 11, afragmentary cross-section taken along line 11-11 FIG. 10 is shown. InFIG. 11, cartridge 30 is shown positioned in interior 27, with sealmember 46 engaging region 47 of outlet end 26. The particular sealengagement shown, is an outside radial seal. That is, the seal surfaceof the seal member 46, is the surface directed radially outwardly.Sealing is a result of a seal material at this surface, engaging aradially inwardly directed surface, of the housing 10. Various alternateapproaches, described for other figures below, are possible.

Upon review of FIGS. 2-9, the biasing and lock mechanism 65 depictedwill be generally understood. In general, the biasing and lock mechanism65 comprises a slider construction 90, FIGS. 6 and 7, and an actuatorconstruction 91. For the particular embodiment shown, the sliderconstruction 90 comprises first and second slides 94 and 95, (FIGS. 6and 7). The slides 94 and 95 are preferably identical, but mounted asmirror images of one another, on inside surfaces of opposite sides 20,19 respectively of housing 10. Each slide 94, 95 is mounted to beslideable toward and away from air flow outlet opening 16, in thegeneral directions of double headed arrows 96, FIGS. 6 and 7.

The slider construction 90 generally includes a filter cartridgeengagement portion. The filter cartridge engagement portion is orientedto engage the projection arrangement 67, so as to bias the filtercartridge 30 toward end 26 of housing 10, selectively.

As indicated above, the slides 94, 95 are generally identical, butmounted on opposite walls 20, 19 as mirror images of one another. Forsimplicity, only one of the slides 94, mounted on wall 20, FIGS. 8 and 9will be described in detail. It will be understood that the other slide,95 on wall 19, would operate analogously.

In FIG. 8, the slide 94 is shown positioned to bias the cartridge 30,FIG. 4, into a locked and sealed position. In FIG. 9 the slide 94 isshown in a position that will release the cartridge 30, FIG. 6, from alocked and sealed position, allowing the filter cartridge 30 to beremoved from the housing 10 and to be replaced.

Referring to FIG. 8, an engagement portion of slide 94, for thecartridge 30, comprises end 100. End 100 has an elongate edge 103 whichcould be orientated to engage projection 69, FIG. 7 of cartridge 30. Insuch embodiments, edge 103 could be lined with a rubber or elastomermaterial, to provide for some spring effect at the engagement betweenedge 103 and projection 69. A variety of materials can be utilized forthe lining at edge 103, for example a low durameter (12-25 Shore A) ormedium durameter (25-50 Shore A) polymeric material.

Instead of edge 103 engaging projection 69, for the preferred embodimentshown, a mechanical interlock between the projection 68, 69 and theslides 95, 94 is provided. In particular, an interlock arrangement inwhich the projections 68, 69 slide into receiving grooves in end 100 isused. Such an arrangement is described in detail, below, in connectionwith a description of FIGS. 24 and 25.

In general, the actuator construction 91 shown, FIG. 8, includesoperator handle 107, opposite control arms 108, 109, (one of which isshown in FIG. 8) and a biasing arrangement 110 (FIG. 8) including a pairof biasing members, one of which is shown in FIG. 8 at 111. The operatorhandle 107 and biasing arrangement 110 are constructed and arranged suchthat when the operator handle 97 is in a lowered position as shown inFIGS. 8 and 4, the slider construction 90 is biased by the biasingarrangement 110 in the direction of arrow 112, FIG. 8, to drive anengaged filter cartridge 30, FIG. 4 towards end 26 and into a sealedorientation, preferably as shown without any rotation of the filtercartridge 30. On the other hand, the biasing arrangement 110 is alsoconstructed such that when the operator handle 107 is lifted to theupper or raised position or orientation shown in FIGS. 9, 6 and 7, thebiasing arrangement 110 moves the filter cartridge 30 in the directionof arrow 113, FIG. 9, out of sealing engagement with end 26 of housing10, FIGS. 6 and 7.

For the particular arrangement shown, the biasing arrangement 110 isconfigured to positively bias the serviceable filter cartridge 30 awayfrom end 26 of housing 10 in the direction of arrow 113, FIG. 9, asshown without rotation as opposed to merely releasing the filtercartridge 30 from sealing engagement with end 26, due to the mechanicalinterlock described with respect to FIGS. 24 and 25. Also, thisoperation of the biasing arrangement is in part provided by end 115 onslide 94 (and an analogous end on slide 95). End 115 can be made toinclude an edge 116 which can be orientated to engage a projectionsimilar to projection 120, FIG. 7, on the filter cartridge 30 to drivethe cartridge 30 in the direction of arrow 113, FIG. 9. The projection120 is one of a pair, including projection 121, FIG. 6, which can beconfigured to be similarly engageable by slide 95. The projections 120,121 can be generally analogous to projections 68, 69 but oppositelypositioned and orientated adjacent air inlet end 32 of cartridge 30.

Instead of using edge 116 to engage the projection 120, the preferredarrangement of FIG. 7 utilizes a mechanical interlock arrangement, asdiscussed below in connection with FIGS. 24 and 25, in which theprojection 120 engages a groove on the associated slide.

From a review of FIG. 9, it should be apparent that when the slide 94 isdriven in the direction of arrow 113, projection 120 (FIG. 7) will bepushed in order to drive the cartridge 30 in the direction of arrow 113and out of sealing engagement with end 26 housing 10.

Referring again to the actuator construction 91, FIGS. 8 and 9, ingeneral the biasing arrangement 110 comprises rotatably mounted cams,one of which is shown at 123. The cams would be positioned as mirrorimages of one another, on walls 20 and 19 respectively.

Referring to FIG. 8, for the preferred arrangement shown, each cam 123has a general “b” shape (or “d” shape if viewed from the oppositedirection or side). Thus, each cam 123 has a circular portion 123 a anda tangential leg portion 123 b. The cams 123 are positioned such thatthe tangential legs 123 b, extend generally vertically, when the cams123 are rotated into a lock position, FIG. 8, to cause sealing betweenthe filter cartridge 30 and end wall 26, FIG. 4. The cams 123, aremounted to eccentrically pivot, shown at pivot point 126, FIGS. 8 and 9.Thus, when rotated by lowering handle 107, FIG. 8, the cams 123, willgenerally bias the slides 94, 95 in the direction of arrow 112, FIG. 8.

The orientation shown in FIGS. 8 and 4, is a locked and sealedorientation. It results from the operator handle 107, FIGS. 8 and 4,being in a lowered position. When the operator handle 107 is lifted intothe orientation of FIG. 9, rotational moment is transferred to the cam123 by arm 108 (and for the opposite cam arm 109).

From a comparison of FIGS. 8 and 9, it will be apparent when theoperator handle is lowered, FIG. 8, the cams 123, as a result of theireccentric mounting, rotate to drive tangential legs 123 b, into portion130 of the slide 94, in the direction of sealing, i.e., in the directionof arrow 112. On the other hand, when operator handle 107 is lifted,FIG. 9, the cams 123, rotate such as to bias of the slides 94, 95, awayfrom end 26 of housing 10, and thus to drive filter cartridge 10 out ofsealing engagement, in the direction of arrow 113.

The particular slides 94, 95 depicted, have a generally Y-shape laid onits side and having a tail. The cams 123 are sized to fit between thelateral extension 115 at the tail 131 of the Y and a base portion 132 ofthe Y.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in general the slides 94, 95 include inaddition to front end 100, top and bottom diagonal edges 140, 141, crosspieces 142, base 132, tail extension 131, and tail 115. The cross pieces142, include slots 145 therein, for slideable mounting upon bolts, pinsor other constructions in the side walls 20, 19, not shown. The slides94, 95 can be molded, cast or constructed from various materials such asplastic or metal.

The biasing mechanism also operates as a lock mechanism, so that whenthe operator handle 107 is in the lowered position, FIGS. 2 and 3, andthe access panel 11 is in place, the operator handle cannot be lifted.This means that the filter cartridge 30 cannot back out of sealingengagement with the housing 10.

In a typical application, projections 68, 69 will be located spaced frombut adjacent to outlet end 33 of the filter cartridge 30 and seal member46. Generally spacing from the end 33 and seal member 46 on the order atleast 0.5 cm, typically about 1 to 10 cm, will be used.

Similarly, projections 120, 121 will generally be located adjacent to bespaced from inlet end 32 and gasket 80 of the filter cartridge 30.Typically spacing from the end 32 and gasket 80 of at least 0.5 cm,usually within the range of 2 to 20 cm, will be used.

Typically and preferably projections 68, 69 are spaced a differentdistance from end 33, than are projections 120, 121 spaced from end 32.This will help provide that the cartridge 30 can only be inserted intothe housing 10 in a proper orientation, i.e., with outlet end 33directed toward end 26 of housing 10, and not improperly rotated 180°around a vertical axis. Other or additional interference or lock and keyarrangements can be used, to avoid or prohibit inappropriate orientationof the cartridge 30 relative to the housing 10, in use.

Also, flanges 120, 121, need to be positioned and sized so as to clearthe arms 108, 109, FIG. 7, when the cartridge is removed from, orinstalled in, the housing 10.

A variety of different seal types can be utilized for the engagementbetween the seal member 46 on a cartridge 30, and the seal surface atend 26 of the housing 10. The particular arrangement shown for FIGS.2-11, is an outside radial seal as described above. Such an outside sealarrangement is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,291, thecomplete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Aparticular seal member of this type is described at FIG. 23 below.

Referring to FIG. 23, the particular arrangement disclosed, uses a backup support 150 for the seal 46. Seal surface 151 has a steppedconfiguration, with increasing size between end 152 and region 153. Theseal material in region 154 will compress, and reduce in thickness,against support 150 and a radial sealing surface of the housing, in use,to provide a positive air seal. Alternate arrangements can be used.

A further understanding of the seal will be provided by review of FIGS.10 and 11. In particular, FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional viewtaken along line 11-11, FIG. 10. The side radial seal is generallylocated at 46, against portion 47 of the housing 10.

It is noted that radial seal having an inwardly directed configurationcan also be used. Referring to FIG. 12, an example of such anarrangement, the seal would be located in region 170 of cartridge 171.Engagement with the housing 172 is shown in FIG. 14, and occurs bypositioning the seal region 170 of the cartridge 171 around an outsideof a sealing rim 175 of the housing 172. FIG. 14 is a schematic,fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14, FIG. 13.

It is also noted that in some embodiments, an axial seal can be used.Such an arrangement is shown in FIGS. 15-17. Here, the sealing surfaceis at 180, for sealing between the cartridge 181 and the housing 182.The arrangement is termed axial, since the seal force is directedaxially, i.e., parallel to line 185, FIG. 17, and not radially; i.e.,orthogonally away from, or toward, line 185. FIG. 17 is a schematic,fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17, FIG. 16.

Any of these types of seal arrangements, and variations of them, can beutilized with assemblies according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the particular filter cartridge 30 has agenerally rectangular cross-section, with curved edges or corners,although alternates can be used. The opposite sides with flanges 68, 69mounted thereon are about 9 to 10 inches tall, the opposite top andbottom surfaces are about 10-11 inches wide, and the cartridge 30 isabout 9-11 inches long. It is noted that the corners are generallycurved, to accommodate the sealing around a coiled media construction.Of course projections such as projections 68, 69 can be put on acartridge of a variety of alternate shapes.

Attention is now directed to the embodiment of FIG. 18. The embodimentof FIG. 18 is generally analogous to the embodiments of FIGS. 2-17,except the housing is depicted without outwardly projecting receivers,for bolts for attachment of the cover. This is simply to indicate thatalternate mechanisms could be used, if a flat profile of the outersurface of the housing is needed. Recessed bolts at 190 could be usedfor this purpose.

Attention is now directed to the embodiment of FIG. 19. In thisembodiment, the sheath 195 of the cartridge 196 is shown with squareedges or corners 197. Such a housing shape could be used to containstacked media, FIG. 21 for example. The particular arrangement of FIG.19 shows a cartridge 196 which has the seal material 198 mounted upon asquare cornered frame. However, rounded corners for the seal could beused, especially for a radial seal.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 20. In FIG. 20 a fragmentary,schematic view of z-filter media is shown. The media 200 includes acorrugated sheet 201 secured to a non-corrugated (i.e. non-fluted) sheet202. The upstream end or edge is indicated at 203, the downstream end oredge at 204. Flutes 205, above the corrugated sheet 201, are open at theupstream end 203, for passage of air to be filtered therein. Theseflutes are closed at the downstream end 204, by sealant 210. Outletflutes are indicated underneath the corrugated sheet 201 at 211, closedat the upstream end by sealant 215.

Media shown in FIG. 20, can be cut in strips and stacked, to create astacked arrangement 300 such as shown in FIG. 21. Alternatively, themedia can be coiled into a coiled shape 305 as shown in FIG. 22, can beused in an arrangement according to the present disclosure.

A variety of alternate z-filter media configurations to that shown inFIG. 20 can be used. For example tapered flutes in accord with thedisclosure of PCT Publication WO 97/40918, can be utilized.Alternatively, flutes which are folded closed at one or more ends inaccord with the disclosures of U.S. Provisional 60/395,009 and the PCTApplication filed Jan. 31, 2003 and incorporated herein, above, byreference, can be used.

The media may comprise a variety of materials. The particular mediachoice would depend upon the particular application of use involved.Typically non-woven fibrous constructions, comprising cellulose fibers,synthetic fibers or mixtures of the two, would be used. In someinstances a surface application, such as a fine fiber application, canbe used for preferred efficiency.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIGS. 24 and 25 areschematic and fragmentary. They are intended to show a positiveengagement arrangement provided between the projections on the elementsand the sliders on the housing.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge is indicated at 400. It includesprojections 401 and 402, with a pair of analogous projections mounted asmirror images on an opposite side.

In FIG. 24, one of the sliders 405 is depicted. The slider includes afront groove 406 and a rear groove 407. It will be understood that whencartridge 400 is installed in a remainder of the housing 420, the mirrorimage projections to projections 401 and 402, at an opposite side ofcartridge 400, can be slid into grooves 406 and 407 respectively.Similarly projections 401 and 402 can be slid into grooves on a mirrorimage slider to slider 405, mounted on inside of wall 421. This wouldprovide for positive mechanical engagement between the cartridge 30 anda remainder of the housing, and will facilitate mounting and dismountingof the cartridge 30 in place. Also, the bottoms of the grooves can beused to support the filter cartridge above a bottom of the housing.

In FIG. 25, a top plan view is shown with projections 401 and 402engaging slots 430 and 431 and with opposite projections 440 and 441engaging slot 406 and 407.

It will be understood that in FIGS. 24 and 25 only features necessary toshow the general orientation of the parts, and the operation of themechanical inner lock were shown. Other detail, such as the control arm,etc., was not shown. The interlock arrangement of FIGS. 24 and 25 can beused with any of the embodiments described above.

Also, a reverse interlock involving ribs on the sliders and grooves onthe cartridge could be used, as well as other variations.

II. FIGS. 26-29

In FIGS. 26-29, the principles described above with respect to FIGS.1-25 are depicted implemented in two alternative embodiments, oneinvolving a serviceable filter cartridge having an outside radial seal(FIG. 26) and one involving a serviceable filter cartridge having aninside radial seal (FIG. 28).

Referring to FIG. 26, a preferred serviceable filter cartridge 500 isdepicted. In accord with the serviceable filter cartridge 30, FIG. 6,cartridge 500 includes an outer, impermeable, sheath construction 504defining an open air flow inlet end 505 and opposite open air flowoutlet end 506, for a straight through flow definition. Sheath 504defines an interior 508 in which z-filter media 510 is positioned.Preferably the z-filter media 510 comprises a coiled arrangement 511,although a stacked arrangement could be used. The coiled mediaarrangement 511 preferably comprises a corrugated (fluted) sheet securedto a non-fluted (preferably non-corrugated) facing sheet to form acomposite; the composite being coiled as a continuous strip into arectangular, coiled, arrangement having four planar sides and fourrounded corners, somewhat analogous to the structure of FIG. 22.

As with previous embodiments, the outer impermeable sheath arrangement504 may comprise, for example, a molded plastic construction or a metalconstruction. Further, it may comprise a single piece or a multi-piececonstruction. It is anticipated that typically it will be formed fromtwo substantially identical shell halves which can engage one another toform a sheath 504 having a rounded corner, generally parallelogram(preferably rectangular) configuration, as shown.

Adjacent inlet end 505, the serviceable filter cartridge 500 includessecondary gasket member 515. The gasket member 515 is shaped, positionedand configured to engage a housing (see FIG. 27) adjacent theserviceable cartridge inlet end 505 to inhibit inlet dust from reachingregions around sheath 505 between gasket 515 and outlet end 506. Thegasket member 515 may comprise a variety of materials, for examplemolded, foamed, polyurethane. For the particular embodiment shown,gasket 515 has a generally rectangular outer perimeter, with fourstraight segments.

Adjacent outlet end 506, serviceable filter cartridge 500 includesprimary seal arrangement 518. The primary seal arrangement 518 comprisesa seal member support framework 519. The seal member support framework519 may be integral with other portions of sheath 504. However in thisinstance, the frame work 519 is a separate, preformed, frameworkattached to sheath 504.

The support framework 519 includes a seal support (not viewable)embedded within seal material 521. The seal material 521 is positionedwith a seal surface 522 positioned to engage a housing seal surface, notshown in FIG. 26, during a sealing such that the seal material 521 issealed against a surface in the housing, preferably by being compressedbetween an embedded seal support of the support framework 519 and theseal surface 522. Alternate seal configurations can be used. In theparticular embodiment shown, the seal surface 522 is positioned as aradial seal, i.e., the seal forces or forces of sealing, will generallybe toward or away from a central longitudinal axis extending betweenends 505, 506 of sheath 504, and the seal forces are directed in thesame direction as a central axis for sheath 504. Preferably the sealmaterial 521 is a foamed polyurethane.

For the particular filter cartridge 500 depicted in FIG. 26, the sealsurface 522 is directed as an outside radial seal, i.e., it is directedradially outwardly from an embedded seal support of the framework 519.Thus, the seal arrangement 518 may have a cross-section analogous tothat indicated in FIG. 23. In use, it would be circumscribed by a sealsurface or structure on a housing.

For the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 26, at outlet end 506 anoutlet end support lattice 524 is provided. The particular lattice 524depicted, comprises a plurality of spokes 526 interconnected by ribs527. The spokes and ribs 526, 527 may be integral with one another, andintegral with a remainder of framework that performs the supportframework 519. The outlet end support lattice 524 generally provides forextensions across open end 506, downstream from media 510. The supportlattice 524 may comprise, for example, a molded plastic construction ora metal construction.

For the particular arrangement shown, the support framework 519 includesan outer skirt 530 positioned for mounting to circumscribe sheath 504adjacent end 506.

The particular, preferred, seal surface 522 depicted, has a steppedconfiguration 531 with a portion 532 having a larger outer perimetersize than an adjacent portion 533, to preferably provide at least twosealing steps. Additional sealing steps can be provided. In FIG. 23,three (3) steps are shown.

For example, typically and preferably the seal arrangement isconfigured, in cooperation with a housing configuration, such that atleast a portion of the seal material 521 in the region of seal surface522 will compress at least 0.5 mm, typically at least 0.75 mm andpreferably at least 1 mm, or more, during sealing. Alternate seal typescan be used.

Preferably, the perimeter shape of the seal surface 522 is aparallelogram having: (a) a first pair of opposite, straight, parallelsides; (b) a second pair of opposite, straight, parallel sides; and, (c)four rounded corners. A rectangular shape depicted is preferred.

Still referring to FIG. 26, serviceable filter cartridge 500 preferablyhas a perimeter shape having two pairs of parallel sides with roundedcorners between them. Thus one pair is an opposite top 536 and bottom537; and, the other pair is opposite sides 539, 540. The top 536 andbottom 537 generally have central planar areas that extend parallel toone another; and, sides 539 and 540 generally have central planar areaswhich extend parallel to one another, and preferably generallyperpendicular to central planar areas of the top and bottom 536, 537.

The serviceable filter cartridge 500 includes, on sides 539, 540, aprojection arrangement 545. Typically the projection arrangement 545mounted on side 539 will be identical to the projection arrangementmounted on opposite side 540, except mounted as a mirror image. Thus,projection arrangement 545 will be discussed in detail.

Referring to FIG. 26, the projection arrangement 545 mounted on side 539is viewable. The projection arrangement 545 includes a pair ofprojections 550, 551 mounted to project outwardly away from sheath 504.The particular arrangement depicted, projections 550, 551 are parallelribs or ridges that project outwardly from a single integral base 553.The base 553 and projections 550, 551 may be secured to sheath 504 ormay be formed integrally therewith. In the particular arrangement shown,FIG. 26, the base 553 and projections 550, 551 are integral with oneanother and comprise a pre-form secured to side 539.

Analogous to projections 68, 121, FIG. 6, projections 550, 551 arepositioned to slide within receivers or grooves (preferably parallel andvertically extending) in a slide on a housing mounting arrangement, notshown in FIG. 26.

Preferably projection 550 is positioned adjacent to, but spaced from,inlet end secondary gasket 515. Preferably the distance of spacing is atleast 6 mm, typically 10 to 20 mm. Although alternatives are possible,preferably projection 551 is positioned at least 60 mm, typically 100 to150 mm, from projection 550. Typically and preferably projection 551will be spaced substantially further from outlet end 506, thenprojection 550 is spaced from inlet end 505.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 27. In FIG. 27 a housing arrangement560 is shown schematically. The view in FIG. 27 is toward an inlet end.The housing arrangement 560 comprises an outer wall arrangement 561defining an interior 562. As with the embodiment of FIG. 6, typicallythe outer wall arrangement 561 has walls defining a rectangularcross-section (perpendicular to air flow) and includes a removablepanel, typically a top panel 563, for removal and insertion of aserviceable filter cartridge 500, FIG. 26.

FIG. 27A is a schematic cross-section taken generally along line27A-27A, FIG. 27. In FIG. 27A, a portion of a biasing and lockarrangement 565 is viewable. It is noted that analogous components of abiasing and lock arrangement will be mounted as mirror images, on anopposite side wall of the housing arrangement 500.

Still referring to FIG. 27A, the biasing and lock mechanism 565generally includes a slider construction 566. In this instance theslider construction 566 comprises first and second opposite slidesmounted on opposite housing side walls as mirror images of one another.In FIG. 26, slide 569 is depicted. The slide 569 would be engageable byprojection arrangement 545 mounted on side wall 539, of serviceablefilter cartridge 500 in use.

The slide 569 is mounted for sliding motion on housing side wall 570, byslots 571 in engagement with pins 572. Although alternatives arepossible, generally an amount of sliding motion (toward or away from end573) of at least 10 mm, typically an amount within the range of 15 to 30mm, will be preferred. For the particular arrangement shown, slide 569is mounted by three slots 571, each of which is in sliding engagementwith a selected one of three pins 572. It is noted that an alternatenumber of slots and pins could be used, but the particular number (3)provided is preferred.

The mounting and lock mechanism 565 further includes an actuatorarrangement 575. The actuator arrangement comprises an operator handle576 (analogous to handle 107, FIG. 7) in extension between opposite arms577, only one of which is shown in FIG. 27A, the other being a mirrorimage. The arms 577 provide mechanical engagement to biasing members579, only one of which is shown in FIG. 27A. Each of the biasing members579 is mounted for eccentric rotation around a pivot point 580. Eachbiasing member 579 is positioned within an associated receiver slot 582in an associated one of the slides 569. The arrangement is constructedsuch that when the handle member 576 is in a lower position, FIG. 27A,the slide 569 (and the opposite slide) will bias the filter cartridge500 (not shown in FIG. 27A) into a sealing orientation, and, such thatwhen the operator handle 576 is raised to an upper orientation, theslide 569 (and the opposite slide) will bias the serviceable filtercartridge 500 out of the sealing orientation and into a free positionwhere it can be lifted out of the housing arrangement 560 and bereplaced.

When used with serviceable filter cartridge 500, FIG. 26, the outsideseal 522 would form against seal structure 585. When used with aserviceable filter cartridge having an inside radial seal, the sealwould form against surface 586 of an optional insert structure 587,shown mounted in place for use and discussed below in connection withFIG. 29.

In general, the actuator arrangement 575 may operate analogously to theactuator arrangements described in connection with FIGS. 1-25. Somedifferences relate to the general direction of operation. In particular,for the arrangement of FIG. 27A, when the operator handle 576 is in alower position, it is generally adjacent inlet end 590 of the housingarrangement 560; and when it is pivoted to the raised position, it ispivoted above the outlet end 591 of the housing arrangement 560. This isan opposite direction of rotation to that depicted for the embodiment ofFIG. 6.

In addition, a preferred slide shape for slide 569, is shown in FIG.27A. Instead of the tailed Y-shape of FIG. 9, the arrangement of FIG.27A, uses a modification in which the lower side of the Y does notdiverge, but rather it extends parallel to a base of the housing. Forthe particular arrangement shown, grooves 592, 593 for receipt ofprojections 550 and 551 respectively, are both positioned to a side ofthe pivot point 580 for the biasing member 579, toward the housing inletend 590. That is, like the arrangement of FIG. 6 the pivot point 580 forthe biasing member 579 associated with the slide 569, is not positionedbetween the grooves 592,593. However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 6,for the preferred arrangement of FIG. 27A both grooves 592, 593 arelocated between the biasing member 579 and the housing inlet 590,instead of between the biasing member and the housing outlet end, FIG.6.

The arm 577 is configured to accommodate a motion required by theoperator handle 576 to cause desired operation and use.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 28. FIG. 28 depicts an alternateserviceable filter cartridge 600 to serviceable filter cartridge 500. Ingeneral, serviceable filter cartridge 600 is analogous to serviceablefilter cartridge 500, except as now described. In particular, forserviceable filter cartridge 600 the primary seal arrangement 601 isconstructed such that the seal surface 602 is positioned directed towarda central axis of the serviceable filter cartridge 600, instead of awayfrom such an axis. Thus, seal surface 602 forms an inside radial seal,in this instance as having steps as indicated at 603, 604, with step 604having a smaller outer perimeter size than step 603. The preferred sealsurface 602 defines a parallelogram (preferably a rectangle) having fourstraight segments and four rounded corners. Each straight segmentpreferably extends, without curvature, for at least 10 mm, and typicallysubstantially more.

A seal arrangement such as that depicted for serviceable filtercartridge 600 would need to engage a housing structure by beingpositioned around the outside of that housing structure, instead ofcircumscribed by that housing structure. An inside seal arrangement wasdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 12-14. Referring to FIG. 29,structure 587 includes an outer flange 609 by which it can be mounted toa remainder of a housing, as shown in FIG. 27A. The seal surface 586around the outside of projection 611 is a seal surface against which theinside radial seal surface 602 of the primary seal arrangement 601 willbe pressed, in use.

Both the arrangement of FIG. 26 and the arrangement of FIG. 28, use auniquely configured radial seal having four straight sections with eachpair of adjacent straight sections being separated by one of fourcurved, radiused, corners. The straight sections are generallyconfigured as a four sided parallelogram with a first pair of opposite,parallel, sides and a second pair of opposite, parallel, sides. Theparticular parallelogram configuration shown in FIGS. 26, 28 for theseal region, is generally rectangular, with rounded corners.

While other seal configurations are possible using the principles of thepresent disclosure, a rectangular configuration as depicted isconvenient and preferred for some applications.

A handle, for example, similar to that shown in FIG. 25, could bepositioned on serviceable filter cartridge 500, 600 to ease carrying,installation and removal.

III. CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS

The present disclosure provides a variety of features that can be usedin various combinations, to an advantage. In general, one result is theair cleaner arrangement which includes a housing as defined; and, filtercartridge positioned within the housing. The filter cartridge comprisesZ-filter media construction using a fluted sheet secured to a facingsheet. The Z-filter media construction can be coiled or stacked to haveopposite inlet and outlet flow faces. A sheath is positioned surroundingthe Z-filter media; and a seal arrangement is positioned on the filtercartridge. In addition, a preferred projection arrangement is providedincluding projections extending outwardly from opposite sides of thesheath. The projection arrangement can be integral with a one pieceplastic sheath.

In general terms, the filter cartridge is sized to be positioned in andto be removed from an interior of the housing that passes through thehousing side wall when the access cover is removed. Inside the filtercartridge housing, the filter cartridge is positioned with the sealarrangement sealed to the housing with a rubber-like material pressedagainst the housing and preferably compressed in thickness as described.In addition, a portion of the air cleaner is provided in engagement withprojections on the sheath, thereby axially driving the filter cartridgeand axially pressing the seal arrangement against the housing. Severalarrangements to accomplish this were provided as examples.

Preferably, the positioning and sealing of the filter cartridge inplace, once inserted within the housing, is accomplished without anyadditional rotation of the filter cartridge, around a longitudinal axisextending therethrough. This is shown in the various examples, in whichaxial motion only is used to position the filter cartridge in a sealedposition.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filter assembly comprising: (a) a filter cartridge comprising: (i) a z-filter media construction comprising a fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet, and having opposite inlet and outlet flow faces; (ii) a seal member support framework that surrounds the z-filter media construction; (iii) a sheath construction positioned surrounding the z-filter media construction and having a first side and a second side; (iv) a projection arrangement including a first projection extending outwardly from the first side of the sheath construction, and a second projection extending outwardly from the second side of the sheath construction; and (b) an actuator construction comprising: (i) an operator handle; (ii) a first control arm extending from the operator handle and including a first cam; (iii) a second control arm extending from the operator handle and including a second cam; (iv) wherein the actuator construction is arranged so that the first control arm and first cam extend along the sheath construction first side and the second control arm and the second cam extend along the sheath construction second side; and (v) wherein rotation of the actuator construction from a first position to a second position causes the first cam and the second cam to rotate thereby applying a force against the first projection and the second projection when the filter assembly is operably installed in an air cleaner.
 2. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the z-filter media construction comprises the fluted sheet secured to the facing sheet and provided in a coiled arrangement.
 3. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the z-filter media construction comprises the fluted sheet secured to the facing sheet and provided in a stacked arrangement.
 4. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the facing sheet is corrugated.
 5. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the seal member support framework is integral with the sheath construction.
 6. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the seal member support framework is separately formed from the sheath construction.
 7. A filter assembly according to claim 6 wherein: (a) the seal member support framework is attached to the sheath construction.
 8. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the filter cartridge comprises a seal member molded on the seal member support framework.
 9. A filter assembly according to claim 8 wherein: (a) the seal member is molded on a seal support flange extending from the seal member support framework.
 10. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the sheath construction comprises a molded plastic construction.
 11. A filter assembly according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first projection and the second projection extend from the sheath construction first side and the sheath construction second side, respectively, in opposite directions.
 12. An air cleaner arrangement including: (a) a housing having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end; (i) the housing having a sidewall in extension between the inlet end and the outlet end; (ii) the housing sidewall including an access cover removable from a remainder of the housing; (b) a filter assembly comprising: (i) a z-filter media construction comprising a fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet, and having opposite inlet and outlet flow faces; (ii) a seal member support framework that surrounds the z-filter media construction; (iii) a sheath construction positioned surrounding the z-filter media construction and having a first side and a second side; (iv) a projection arrangement including a first projection extending outwardly from the first side of the sheath construction, and a second projection extending outwardly from the second side of the sheath construction; and (c) an actuator construction comprising: (i) an operator handle; (ii) a first control arm extending from the operator handle and including a first cam; (iii) a second control arm extending from the operator handle and including a second cam; (iv) wherein the actuator construction is arranged so that the first control arm and first cam extend along the sheath construction first side and the second control arm and the second cam extend along the sheath construction second side; and (v) wherein rotation of the actuator construction from a first position to a second position causes the first cam and the second cam to rotate thereby applying a force against the first projection and the second projection when the filter assembly is operably installed in an air cleaner.
 13. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 further comprising: (a) a seal member that creates a seal between the filter cartridge and the housing.
 14. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the seal member comprises polyurethane.
 15. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the seal member comprises a rubber-like material.
 16. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the rubber-like material is compressed at least 0.5 mm.
 17. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the seal member is compressed between a portion of the sheath and a portion of the housing.
 18. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the z-filter media construction comprises the fluted sheet secured to the facing sheet and provided in a coiled arrangement.
 19. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the z-filter media construction comprises the fluted sheet secured to the facing sheet and provided in a stacked arrangement.
 20. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the facing sheet is corrugated.
 21. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the seal member support framework is integral with the sheath construction.
 22. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the seal member support framework is separately formed from the sheath construction.
 23. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 22 wherein: (a) the seal member support framework is attached to the sheath construction.
 24. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the filter cartridge comprises a seal member molded on the seal member support framework.
 25. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 24 wherein: (a) the seal member is molded on a seal support flange extending from the seal member support framework.
 26. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the sheath construction comprises a molded plastic construction.
 27. An air cleaner arrangement according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the first projection and the second projection extend from the sheath construction first side and the sheath construction second side, respectively, in opposite directions. 